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Bedford Today

Bedford today

Since 1945, Bedford has created a brighter future for South Australians with a disability, by offering employment, recreational and day activities, training, life skills, community housing and support services.

We provide much needed services to almost 3,100 people across the State. Our focus is on addressing people’s evolving needs in a caring and supportive environment. With the help of the community, we can ensure that people with a disability or disadvantage are given the opportunity to realise their potential.

• Supports almost 3,100 people with a disability or disadvantage
• Employs over 800 people with a disability in its diverse business areas throughout metropolitan Adelaide, on the Yorke Peninsula with locations at Port Pirie, Wallaroo and Kadina, in the South East at Mount Gambier and Millicent, and on the Eyre Peninsula at Port Lincoln
• Supports, through its CareerSystems division, 2,000 people in Federal Government Employment Programmes, including Job Services Australia and the Disability Employment Network in metropolitan Adelaide, Murray Bridge, Mount Barker, Gawler, Port Pirie, Peterborough and Mallala
• Supports almost 100 people in its Day Options Centres at Millicent, Panorama, Port Lincoln, Port Pirie and Wallaroo
• Provides residential services to almost 200 people with a disability at Balyana and in the community.  Currently, Bedford is expanding its community housing portfolio for people with a disability, in partnership with the State Government of South Australia
• Employs 370 support staff
• In partnership with TAFE (through DFEEST), is delivering accredited training to its supported employees and those of other disability employers through its ‘Abilities for All’ programme
•  Has 24 sites across South Australia

In 2010 Bedford celebrates it's 65th year of creating a brighter future for people with a disability

1920 to Today

• Bedford started out as the Civilian Tubercular and Cancer Comforts Fund in 1920, before changing its direction in 1943 to become the South Australian Tuberculosis Association Incorporated (SATAI)
• In 1945, Bedford Industries was born, with the focus on creating a brighter future for people with a disability through providing work, training and other life opportunities
• Bedford Industries was originally located in Glenelg, moving to its site at Panorama in 1949
• Over the years, Bedford has expanded its services to offer opportunities across metropolitan Adelaide. More recently, Bedford has further expanded its services to operate state-wide, across South Australia

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